Utility rack for all terrain vehicles

Abstract

Cargo racks for use with all terrain vehicles ("ATV's") are disclosed. The racks have a generally horizontal base and upwardly extending vertical side walls which, together with the base, form a cargo area. One or more of the upwardly extending vertical side walls are hinged at the base, and can open in an outward direction to form a lift gate. When such a lift gate is in a lowered position, support chains or arms are not required to ensure that the lift gate remains fully extended. When closed, the lift gate is latched in place to prevent inadvertent opening of the lift gate. One or more of the vertical walls, including the lift gate, can be completely removed from the rack as desired.

Description

[0001] NONESTATEMENTS AS TO RIGHTS TO INVENTIONS MADE UNDER FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT[0002] NONE[0003] 1. Field of the Invention[0004] The present invention relates to a utility rack for use in connection with all terrain vehicles ("ATV's"), utility vehicles and the like. More particularly, the present invention relates to a utility rack for use in connection with ATV's, utility vehicles and the like, which can be used to carry cargo and other items, and which can be quickly and easily installed on, or removed from, many different models of ATV's. More particularly still, the present invention relates to a utility rack for ATV's and other utility vehicles which provides one or more removable lift gates, as well as means for latching said lift gates in an upright or closed position.[0005] 2. Description of the Related Art[0006] Motorized utility vehicles, such as ATV's, are versatile vehicles which can be used for a number of purposes. For example, ATV's are common...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0011] The present invention provides a utility rack which can be quickly and easily attached to any number of existing models of ATV's. The utility rack of the present invention can be attached at or near the front or the rear of an ATV. Further, the utility rack of the present invention can also be quickly and easily removed from an ATV.

[0012] The utility rack of the present invention provides recessed areas for storing and / or transporting cargo and other equipment on an ATV. These recessed areas are generally comprised of a roughly horizontal base section, as well as upwardly extending vertical side walls which together define a basket-like partial enclosure for holding cargo. The utility rack of the present invention can be positioned at or near the front of an ATV, and can be mounted below the line of sight of the ATV operator. As a result, the utility rack of the present invention mounted at or near the front of an ATV will not impede the ability of an operator to safely and efficiently drive the subject ATV. Similarly, because the utility rack of the present invention mounted at or near the rear of an ATV is designed to be positioned behind the seat of said ATV, said utility rack mounted in this fashion likewise does not affect the safe and efficient operation of the ATV.

[0013] In order to facilitate loading and unloading of cargo and / or other equipment from the utility rack of the present invention, one or more vertical side walls of such utility rack can be lowered or collapsed to provide easier access to the recessed basket area of the rack. In the preferred embodiment, such a collapsible vertical side wall is hinged at the base to form a swingable lift gate. Moreover, if desired, one or more of said vertical side walls can be completely removed from said rack. With respect to the front utility rack of the present invention, a vertical side wall which is collapsible to form a lift gate is typically positioned at the forward extent of the ATV. Conversely, with respect to the rear utility rack of the present invention, a vertical side wall which can be lowered to form a lift gate is positioned facing the rear of the ATV. A latch is provided for each of these hinged lift gates so that said lift gates do not become inadvertently lowered or unlatched during use. Further, said latch is spring loaded to prevent rattling or jarring of the lift gate during normal use.

[0014] The lift gate of the present invention can also remain in an extended position when lowered without the need for chains or support arms. When opened, the lift gate of the present invention has nothing extending from the vertical side walls to said lift gate, which would limit or otherwise preclude the use of said gate as a horizontal support structure. The absence of such chains or arms greatly improves the versatility of the present invention.

Problems solved by technology

However, because ATV's are often used in rugged off-road terrain, and are therefore subject to significant jostling or shaking, even during normal use, it is important that any such lift gates be locked in the desired position.

Specifically, none of the cited references disclose a cargo rack which can be quickly and easily attached to an ATV, or removed therefrom, having one or more vertical walls which can be lowered, or removed altogether, to facilitate loading and / or unloading.

Furthermore, none of the cited references disclose ATV racks with collapsible or removable walls which can also be latched or locked in an upright position to prevent inadvertent opening or separation from the remainder of the utility rack.

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